ICTU warns that SACTWU's push for Sekunjalo Independent Media's liquidation could jeopardise 1,500 jobs, urging immediate action to protect workers' livelihoods.
The Information Communication Technology Union (ICTU) has expressed serious concern over media reports indicating that the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers' Union (SACTWU) is seeking an order for the provisional liquidation of Independent Media Consortium (IMC).
ICTU, a major trade union in the communications sector representing workers across various industries—including a significant membership base at Independent Media and its associated businesses—warned that the court application places approximately 1,500 jobs at risk and threatens widespread hardship for employees and their families.
ICTU emphasised that its primary responsibility is to protect its members' interests and safeguard their livelihoods. The union highlighted that while many media organisations across the country are cutting staff through retrenchments, the Sekunjalo Group, National Media Group, and IOL have continued to actively recruit and preserve employment.
Given these ongoing recruitment efforts during a challenging period for the broader media landscape, ICTU commended Sekunjalo's investment and called on SACTWU to immediately desist from actions that threaten the jobs of workers at National Media Group and Independent Media.
